First and Second Thessalonians by N. Eubank

Abstract

Reviewed by: First and Second Thessalonians by N. Eubank Gertrud Tönsing Eubank, N. 2019. First and Second Thessalonians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. ISBN 978-0801049446. Pp. 204. Paperback. $17.51. This volume is part of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Its declared aim is to "offer scholarship illumined by faith, in the conviction that the ultimate aim of biblical interpretation is to discover what God has revealed and is still speaking through the sacred text." This is a useful volume for preachers and persons active in the ministry, but also adds value to the scholarly endeavour in its summaries of the main scholarly debates and its church historical notes on interpretation history of certain texts. At 199 pages it is concise enough to be read thoroughly by busy pastors, but containing enough information to bring new insights. The author, Nathan Eubank (Ph.D., Duke University), is associate professor of New Testament at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Wages of Cross-Bearing and Debt of Sin: The Economy of Heaven in Matthew's Gospel (Berlin: de Gruyter, 2013). The commentary begins with the background to Paul's association with the Thessalonians as recounted in Acts, and historical and geographical details on the city of Thessalonica. Then comes a general summary of main concerns of 1 Thessalonians. These Eubank sees as the following: (1) expression of affection for the congregation; (2) concern for the converts' growth in love and holiness; (3) instruction on the return of the Lord and the resurrection of the dead; and (4) instruction to expect persecution. Eubank then summarises the arguments for and against Pauline authorship of 2 Thessalonians briefly but fairly, and footnotes sources with more detailed arguments for and against. He comes out in defence of Pauline authorship and argues clearly as to why. This is followed by comments on ancient letter writing and 1 Thessalonians' status as the oldest NT document. The last section of the introduction is an overview of the letters to the Thessalonians in Christian interpretation through the ages and their status as "advent letters" with clues about the second coming of Christ. The main section of the book is a traditional section by section commentary on the text, including background information, meanings of words and possible implications. This section includes a wealth of information as one should expect from a scholarly commentary but in accessible language. Its stated aim is described in the editor's preface: [End Page 202] "The exegesis that follows aims to explain in a clear and engaging way the meaning of the text in its original historical context as well as its perennial meaning for Christians" (11). There are many footnotes for people wishing for more detail. The text used is that of the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), the translation approved for liturgical use in the United States. However there are extensive notes commenting on differences in English translations and where the author disagrees with the version in the NABRE. Immediately after the printed verses of the texts are notes on references to other relevant biblical passages, catechism sections and uses in the Roman lectionary. Each section ends with a "Reflection and Application" section. Here there are references to relevant contemporary debates and popular misunderstandings of concepts. For example, there are ancient and contemporary connotations to the word "imitate" (1 Thess 1:6) or understandings of God's wrath (1:9–10). There is a longer discussion on the use and misuse of the Pauline phrase in 2 Thess 3:10: "If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat," which is sometimes quoted to justify cutting aid to the poor. It places this verse in the context of the Bible as a whole and also Paul's other statements on helping the poor. In both, Paul exhorts Christians to be "motivated by love of neighbor, the love that works hard not to burden others and the love that shows mercy to those in need" (192). Other discussions include ancient attitudes to sexual morality and developments in the church's attitude to Judaism. Scattered throughout the commentary are photos of relevant...